31% of target population vaccinated in Dominica: Dr Ahmed

Roseau, Dominica: National epidemiologist of Dominica Dr. Shalauddin Ahmed shared the coronavirus update on Thursday and stated there are only fourteen active coronavirus cases in the country.

Dr. Ahmed said that all these active cases are imported and include 11 females and three males. He said twelve of these patients were detected through day five testing at the government quarantine facility, while two tested positive on arrival at the airport.

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As per the national epidemiologist, all these patients have mild to moderate symptoms during admission; however, their conditions are now stable. He added that the female patients are between 19-69 years, while the median age is 30.

Discussing the country's vaccine campaign, Dr. Ahmed stated over 14,583 people have successfully received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is 31% of the target population.

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"Target vaccine population includes 2/3 of the entire population, but in order to achieve herd immunity, we need to vaccinate 100% population," added Dr. Shalauddin Ahmed.

Furthermore, he explained the mechanism of the COVID-19 vaccine and said immunize individual is less likely to get the coronavirus infection or transmit it to others. Additionally, Dr. Ahmed stated that once the vaccine is introduced inside the human body, it stimulates immune cells to produce antibodies against the viral-protein and memory cells.

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"If we get exposed to COVID-19 virus after vaccination, the antibodies will prevent the virus from attaching to the cell-receptors, and these will prevent the virus from entering inside our cells; consequently, it will prevent virus replication." added the National Epidemiologist Dr. Shalauddin Ahmed.

He said that without the COVID-19 vaccine, a healthy individual could be host to the virus factory and likely to transmit the disease to others unknowingly.

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Nevertheless, Dr. Ahmed stated that another objective of the vaccine is to achieve herd immunity. He said without herd immunity, regular activities like gatherings, parties will remain restricted.

"Vaccine is the only realistic chance of opening our tourism sector and keep the economy going," said Dr. Shalauddin Ahmed.